Applications of complementary therapies during rehabilitation for individuals with traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: Findings from the SCIRehab Project

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2019 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2018.1481693 · Published: January 1, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Alternative Medicine Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how complementary therapies are used during rehab for people with spinal cord injuries. The researchers analyzed data from a large study called the SCIRehab Project to see how often occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs) use therapies like yoga and relaxation techniques. They wanted to know if these therapies could help with things like pain, mobility, and social integration after a spinal cord injury.

Study Duration

5 years

Participants

1376 patients with traumatic SCI in the full sample; 93 patients in the subset analysis

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Only a small percentage (3%) of patients received complementary therapies during their rehabilitation.
2
Patients who received complementary therapies showed greater reductions in pain severity from 6 months to 12 months compared to those who did not.
3
The amount of time spent on complementary therapies during physical therapy sessions was associated with reduced pain interference and pain severity.

Research Summary

This study examined the use of complementary therapies during rehabilitation for individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury using data from the SCIRehab Project. The results showed that complementary therapies were used minimally, but there was an association between their use and reduced pain severity. The study highlights the opportunity for further research on the use of complementary therapies in SCI rehabilitation, especially for pain-related outcomes.

Practical Implications

Increased Awareness

Raise awareness among rehabilitation professionals about the potential benefits of complementary therapies for pain management in SCI patients.

Further Research

Encourage further research into the specific types of complementary therapies that are most effective for different SCI-related outcomes.

Integrated Care

Promote the integration of complementary therapies into standard rehabilitation programs for SCI patients to improve pain management and overall well-being.

Study Limitations

1
Inconsistent terminology used in data collection between physical therapy and occupational therapy.
2
The most frequent classification of complementary therapies fell into the “other” category.
3
Pain severity and interference were not measured consistently upon admission/discharge compared with follow-up interviews.

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